Penguins almost always bring a smile and this is no exception. Director Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) dives in with both comedy and drama in a very likable film about how a surly teacher developed an unlikely relationship with one adorable waterfowl against the backdrop of the 1976 fascist Argentine Coup d’état. It’s a cute premise for the big screen based on Tom Michell’s autobiographical book, “The Penguin Lessons.” Although it has some flaws in portraying what the government was doing at that time.
Tom Michell, (Steve Coogan) is sporting long, shaggy locks and and a bit of a rumpled look helps set the look of the 1970’s. He’s arrives at St. George’s elite boys school to teach English to spoiled, disinterested students. Tom is looking for a cushy job away from England. Coogan delivers his depiction as a quick-talking, sarcastic curmudgeon, wallowing in self-pity and near depression. He has no interest in the political and social turmoil in Argentina. He’s even somewhat pleased when the government is overthrown because he gets a week off to go off on vacation.
Taking the bus to Uruguay he goes clubbing where he dances a formidable tango with a woman he hopes will give him a one night stand. While walking the beach in the wee hours of the morning, they encounter piles of dead penguins on the sand, killed by an oil spill. But there is one still moving. Tom is ok to walk on by, but the attractive woman he desires cajoles him into trying to rescue the oil soaked bird still gasping for life. Tom never gets his roll in the hay, but you get to see what method to use should you come across a penguin or other creature that needs saving.
Once the bird is revived, Tom is ready to set him free. But the animal has wants to stay with his hero. The best comedic sequence of the film plays out from then on as Tom tries to ditch the penguin but penguins make strong bonds and this one just keeps coming back. There’s a funny scene where a woman with children asks about “his” bird and despite Tom’s protests that it’s not his, he can’t get rid of him. He even throws the bird back in the ocean, but he just swims back.
As the penguin keeps following, Tom reluctantly develop a relationship with the bird. The scene of nervous, unwilling Tom trying to sneak him through customs is pretty funny once he decides to take his new friend back to his apartment at St. George’s. He doesn’t know anything about how to take care of this creature. As the relationship develops between man and bird, Tom, the teacher, becomes the pupil to the bird he’s named Juan Salvador.
Cattaneo and cinematographer Xavi Giménez have the hurdle working with a live animal and infusing intention and intelligence into this loyal co-starring character. The animal handlers, production and special effects team do well making the now named Juan Salvador, look very natural and sentient.
Despite the stern “no pets” rule from the snooty, forbearing Headmaster (Johnathan Pryce), Tom tries desperately to hide his new roommate, so they won’t throw them both out. But this is one friendly bird who begins winning over everyone who encounters the smelly fish gobbler. Once the students discover Juan Salvador, Tom realizes that his new teacher’s aide helps engage the kids, making them excited about learning. And it makes Michell, softer and more compassionate.
But, then, the story takes a turn against the backdrop of disturbing fascist human rights violations and torture. When the granddaughter of the school housekeeper Tom has befriended is hauled away in front of Tom, he takes no action, watching as she is dragged into a car and hauled off to prison on the street right in front of him. All he can do is try to console the grandmother.
Even though Michell undergoes an awakening after watching the evils of authoritarianism, the film’s third act seems somewhat disingenuous and simplistic. He seems only there to give friendship by participating in cute school gatherings as life goes on. Director Cattaneo tries to temper the fascist violence around them with an emotional reprieve. You might tear up by the time the credits roll. But stay to see the real home footage of these characters from almost 50 years ago
Coogan is cantankerously funny and Juan Salvador penguin is so very charming. Cattaneo gives both personality as they become buddies. While penguins thrive in icy waters, The Penguin Lessons teaches a bond that will melt your heart.
Sony Pictures Classics 1 Hour 50 Minutes PG-13
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